Ventriloquism Weekly's Podcast

7x Emmy-Nominated “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” writer Jon Macks joins Matt on the Season Finale of Ventriloquism Weekly! Macks, author of the new book “Monologue”, has written comedy for Leno, as well as numerous celebrities and award shows his over 22-year career. You’ll hear fantastic stories and get great advice from the man Chris Rock calls, “One of the greatest comedy writers of all time.” Buy "Monologue: What Makes America Laugh Before Bed" here: http://tinyurl.com/n48jrbz Ventriloquism Weekly will return June 22nd

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Hewlett joins Matt for an awesome conversation about ventriloquism. Steve speaks of his early passion for the art. Hewlett also discusses the awesome things opportunities and people he has encountered during a career that began when he was just 22.

Incredibly talented Marionette performer and puppeteer Joe Selph joins Matt to share his journey. After working for the Muppets for several years, Selph eventually teamed up with legendary Marionette builder and performer Rene. After discussing his own interesting life, Joe shares stories from a career performing with someone so many the Maestro.

"Magical Storyteller" Mark Daniel finally sits down for a one-on-one conversation! Listeners will know Mark from his appearances to preview KAX with Steve Axtell each year. But this time he's flying solo to share his story with all of us. From how the library inspired him to get into magic to KIDabra's beginnings, Mark Daniel's story will make you say, "WOW!"

Ventriloquist and “Australia’s Got Talent” Alum Darren Carr chats with Matt about his performing ventriloquism professionally Down-Under. You’ll find out what makes Darren one of the busiest entertainers in Australia and why exactly the “Got Talent” franchise pursued him to participate!

World-renowned juggler Niels Duinker joins Matt for an incredibly interesting conversation. Duinker, from the Netherlands, has accomplished much in his young life, including achieving 3 Guinness World Records. You'll hear a story of a passion from a young age that skyrocketed this entertainer to accomplish his dreams!

One of the most inventive minds in ventriloquism, David Strassman, joins Matt for an amazing and eye-opening conversation. Included: When Strassman started using his "puppetronics" system. You'll also find out why exactly this American performer prefers his fame to stay Down-Under.

Nashville resident and son of legendary song writer Merle Kilgore, Steve Kilgore joins Matt in one of VW's most diverse conversations yet. From Steve's passion for figure making to growing up on the Grand Ole Opry stage, it's all here!

One of the hardest-working fair performers sits down with Matt. Sylvia Fletcher performs more than 400 shows a year at fairs, festivals, and theaters across the country. She shares her creativity, spirit, and inspiring story with all of us in a can’t-miss conversation.

Adam DiFilippi joins Matt to discuss how his budding career in film was directly influenced by his start in ventriloquism. Or was it how his start in ventriloquism was directly influenced by film? Take a listen!

Incredibly articulate 15 year-old Lachlan Werner rounds out these 3 weeks of interviews with the under-18 set! You'll be blown away as Werner talks with passion and depth about ventriloquism and what he wants to do with this art form.

It is a short but awesome episode today as we talk with budding ventriloquist Jared McLain. Learn how 14-year old Jared got started, and where he wants to go with Ventriloquism The future our art is certainly is bright!

16 year-old ventriloquist Langston Hatch from Columbus, Ohio joins Matt to officially kick off a few weeks of youth ventriloquists on the program. Hear how Langston started performing, and how long he was practicing his vent technique before performing. His answer (and maturity) may just surprise you!

Diana Rockwell sits down with Matt in a lively conversation about everything from her school assembly shows to her unique way of thinking about Ventriloquism as an art. To see the video referenced in this talk, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLOBje7JZjI

19 Year-Old Jeremy Lepak from Duluth, MN joins Matt for a lively conversation. Included is Jeremy's journey to finding a passion for performing through ventriloquism.

Matt Bailey hosts "An Evening with Willie Tyler" LIVE at the Kidabra-Axtell KAX Conference in Oxnard, California. This Live Interview Event highlights the Motown legend's career and provides viewers with an up close and personal look at Willie Tyler (and Lester!) Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4ic8LMXNbI

On the Winter Season Finale of Ventriloquism Weekly, Tony Award-Winner Jay Johnson returns to the program with filmmaker Bryan W. Simon. They pair take Matt and listeners for a behind-the-scenes look at what went into filming Johnson's Tony-winning show. Bryan and Jay give unprecedented access to everything about this brand new movie. Today's episode is a can't-miss exclusive! The long-awaited film of "Jay Johnson: The Two and Only" will be available for purchase just in time for the holidays. Pick yours up at amazon.com starting December 16th!

Today, Matt checks in with listeners and lays out the rest of the season, plus looks ahead to what's in store for Ventriloquism Weekly in 2015. Due to technical difficulties, the interview with the 16 year-old Langston Hatch expected today has been postponed until next season.

Steve Axtell and Mark Daniel return to the program where they announced the game-changing 2014 KAX conference. In what has become tradition, they speak with Matt about what everyone can expect from the 2015 Kidabra/Axtell joint conference for family entertainers!

Phil Nichols talks with Matt about his incredible life in Show Business. Phil has gone from ventriloquism to special effects make-up and creature building. He's seen and done it all and is ready to share his incredible story with Ventriloquism Weekly.

As the most-requested performer for the program, Carla Rhodes joins Matt as the show's 50th guest! Carla and Matt met in-person for a conversation ranging from the creativity to the psychology of the ventriloquist. A truly inspired discussion with the "Rock n Roll Ventriloquist!!

Legendary magician and Red Skelton tribute artist Tom Mullica sits down with Matt. This is one of those rare episodes with blunt honesty that is surely not to be missed. Mr. Mullica is bound to spark conversation among fellow performers about the true state of entertainment today.

Cruise ship ventriloquist joins Matt for a conversation about the benefits to performing (clean) for adults. Merchant also provides some wonderful insights into being a working act on the high seas!

Magician/Hypnotist/Ventriloquist Michael Night shares a truly touching journey in show business with a refreshing honesty and candor. This is a can't-miss interview!

Craig Sergent and Lew Newton join Matt as the first-ever performing duo on Ventriloquism Weekly! Newton, a silent mime and ventriloquist, teams up with Sergent, the magician and only “talking half” of their act. A one-of-a-kind interview about playing characters onstage, combine many arts, and what it’s like to only speak through ventriloquism in performance. You do not want to miss what The Action Bros. (Johnny Action and Max Action) have to say! Visit www.theactionbros.com for more!

Pastor David Weyrick shares his journey from a kid with a dream, bullied into putting the puppet away, to an adult with a passion to pursue that dream once again. An inspiring story for all!

Meghan Casey joins Matt for a very enveloping discussion about balancing tons of Library shows with a Psychology major at Colorado State University. Plus, find out how Meghan plans to use her passion for children's entertainment, ventriloquism and psychology post-graduation. A can't-miss interview with one of Ventriloquism's most promising young minds!

Legendary Marionette performer and builder Scott Land joins Matt for a candid discussion on puppetry and entertainment. The advice and stories dispensed by the "Team America: World Police" puppet captain are not to be missed!

Vent Haven Open Mic fan-favorite Hannah Leskosky joins Matt for a wonderful conversation on creativity in ventriloquism. Leskosky brings a fresh perspective as one of the most original budding ventriloquists today.

Superstar British funny-man Paul Zerdin joins Matt for a discussion on everything from his beginnings in Ventriloquism to what we can all do to freshen up our acts. Anyone interested in getting the world to take a positive view of ventriloquists cannot miss this conversation!

18 Year-Old ventriloquist Christopher Ortiz joins Matt for a discussion ranging from the Vent Haven Convention to being a college-bound ventriloquist!

Matt talks with Cartoonist, comedian, and ventriloquist John Wayne Peel on an insightful edition of VW!

The Title says it all! Matt Bailey brings his unique curiosity and distinct interviewing style to the Vent Haven ConVENTion stage! Take a listen to this interview with two masters of Ventriloquism! We promise you will feel like you were there!!!

The friendships formed at Vent Haven are just as important as the lectures attended. Hospitality Committee member Chris Donahoe joins Matt once again this year to talk about all the great things you can expect while socializing at the ConVENTion!

Living legend Sammy King joins Matt to share the history behind his over half a century in show business. King shares insights learned over tens of thousands of performances all over the world. He even divulges the benefits to working a set act and what we all can learn from his famous 12 minutes with Francisco the Mexican Parrot. Plus, stay tuned after the interview for all you need to know about “Ventriloquism Weekly” LIVE at the Vent Haven ConVENTion!

This week, Matt speaks with 3 generations of a ventriloquist family! Evelyn Adam is the matriarch of these Pennsylvania ventriloquists that include Evelyn's daughter Marian, and Marian's daughter Jenny. While Evelyn is retired, Marian and Jenny both perform part-time as hobbyists.Listen to find out what our art form means to this incredible family of performers.

Cleveland, OH street ventriloquist Nate Puppets joins Matt for an eye-opening conversation about the life of a double-talking busker. Plus, Nate talks about his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity performing Baby Bear at the 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Stay tuned after the interview for some words on behalf of our friend Jay Johnson.

Incredibly talented corporate ventriloquist Ken Groves joins Matt for the season premiere of Ventriloquism Weekly. Groves speaks with Matt about everything from his journey in ventriloquism to what makes great comedy writing. This interview with one of the best is not to be missed. Visit our brand new home on www.ventriloquismweekly.com for more about the premiere podcast for ventriloquists and family entertainers. Every single episode of this informative and fun show can be found on the "Podcasts" page of the website.

Russ Lewis, a living legend of ventriloquism, joins Matt on the Season finale of Ventriloquism Weekly. Mr. Lewis speaks candidly about his rags to riches upbringing. He also touches on his days performing on television shows from Mike Douglas to Ed Sullivan. Known for his character Brooklyn Birch, Russ talks about the evolution of one character throughout a decorated career. You'll find yourself hanging on to every word spoken by this master storyteller as he weaves tales for just for this community of entertainers that leave even your humble host speechless.

We mix it up this week as Matt talks to Buster Balloon and Annie Banannie-stage names of the Caldwells-about the art of entertaining with balloons! Hear this couple speak passionately about what drives them to innovate in this unique field. Plus, you'll understand how balloon twisters and ventriloquists aren't so different!

Former guest Rob Condas steps in for Matt this week to interview Tom Crowl. Crowl has been working on special projects with the Vent Haven museum: Archiving video conversations with other ventriloquists. Hear about that massive effort and more today on a special edition of Ventriloquism Weekly!

Mark Wade talks with Matt about what everyone can expect from the 2014 Vent Haven ConVENTion in Hebron, Kentucky. With a little less than 3 months left until the big event and early registration ending on May 15th, now is the perfect time to register for the eVENT of the season!

Fresh off a whirlwind of media appearances, magician Marty Hahne sits down with Matt to talk about what he learned about the power of one social media post to affect change. Hahne recently made headlines by becoming the poster child (or child's entertainer) for the Government's excessive regulation on animals used in performances. Listen and hear events that changed his life and Government policy. A must for any entertainer.

Andrew Ready from Adelaide, Australia joins Matt for an eye-opening conversation about being a children's ventriloquist Down Under. The two talk about everything from the rarity of our art form in Australia to the crossover success of the country's most popular export, The Wiggles. This is a can't-miss conversation about the international reaches of our art!

It's Southern Belle edition this week as Lori Bruner and Trish Dunn join Matt in person! From Kentucky and North Carolina respectively, you'll hear how two wonderful journeys in ventriloquism linked these lovely ladies together to become "BFFs in Ventriloquism"!

Funeral Director Chuck Lyons joins Matt for a talk about what his profession taught him about why bringing joy to children and families is so important. Chuck's insight are a must for gaining a perspective on what entertainment truly means.

Our first female guest, April Brucker, invited Matt into her home for a lively discussion on all thing vent. From her love of performing to April's controversial journey in this art form with appearances on "My Strange Addiction" and "Rachel Ray", getting to know the REAL April Brucker is a treat.

Simon Cowell calls him one of the “most talented people on the planet.” Las Vegas headliner Terry Fator returns to Ventriloquism Weekly to talk with host Matt Bailey about everything from his creative process to what it feels like to be celebrating 5 incredible years at the Mirage Hotel and Casino. Fator is one of the nicest guys in show business and truly enjoyed getting to talk about this great art form. This is a must for all fans!